Matter 1.5 Unveiled: Bringing Cameras, Closures, and Smarter Energy Management to the Smart Home

The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) today announced the release of Matter 1.5, a significant functional expansion of the Matter smart home standard that introduces several highly anticipated device categories and advanced features. This update reinforces Matter’s core mission:

• Simplifying smart home development
• Strengthening interoperability
• Creating richer, more sustainable connected experiences

Following previous quality-focused releases (1.4.1 and 1.4.2), Matter 1.5 focuses on the addition of key capabilities requested by members.

Key Additions in Matter 1.5

Native Support for Cameras

This has been one of the most demanded additions. It allows cameras to interoperate directly with Matter-enabled ecosystems without proprietary APIs. The Matter 1.5 camera specification is designed to support the widest possible range of modern cameras, regardless of complexity or price point.

• Supported Types: This includes doorbell cameras, indoor and outdoor cameras, floodlight cameras, baby/nanny cameras, pan/tilt cameras, and more.
• Connectivity: The specification supports cameras using Wi-Fi, Power over Ethernet (PoE), and standard Ethernet.
• Streaming: Supports live video and audio streaming using the established technology.
• Access: Enables two-way communication and both local and remote access.
• Advanced Features: Includes support for multi-stream configurations, pan-tilt-zoom controls, detection and privacy zones, and flexible storage options.
• Backward Compatibility and Scope: The specification supports backward compatibility with most modern cameras, as they already possess the necessary processing power, memory, and Wi-Fi capabilities for video streaming. However, the decision to support specific older devices rests with the individual manufacturer.

What the Camera Spec Does Not Do:

• The spec does not handle storage directly, but points users toward the available storage options (native or cloud-based) provided by the device maker or platform.
• It does not support clip playback, which is handled by the device maker or platform.
• It does not support on-camera audio and video analysis and intelligence or the triggering of actions based on that analysis.

Enhanced & Unified Closures

Building on previous foundations, Matter version 1.5 introduces a simplified and unified approach to closures.

• Brand New Category: Closures is a brand new, all-encompassing category that moves far beyond the simple open/close capabilities previously available for a few select device types. Previously, core devices like garage doors were not certifiable.
• Device Types: Includes window shades, drapes, awnings, gates, garage doors, and more.
• Simplified Development: A new modular cluster design allows manufacturers to represent different motion types (sliding, rotating, opening) and configurations (single/dual panels) using a small set of building blocks, reducing complexity.

Now, all types of closures and a robust feature set are available for device makers and platform owners, making them certifiable as Matter devices. For consumers, this means more consistent and flexible control across apps and ecosystems, improved safety through precise position reporting, and reliable support for essential use cases such as checking the status of garage doors or locks.

Soil Sensors for Sustainable Gardening

Matter 1.5 extends its reach into new plant-care and gardening scenarios with dedicated support for soil sensors.

• Functionality: These devices can measure moisture and, optionally, temperature.
• Smart Integration: When combined with Matter-based water valves or irrigation systems, soil sensors enable intelligent, automated watering, helping users conserve water and optimize plant health.

Advancing Energy Management

Matter 1.5 significantly boosts the standard’s energy management capabilities, providing a consistent framework for more efficient and sustainable energy use:

• Energy Tariff Device Type: Allows utilities and energy services to share standardized data on real-time and forecasted pricing, tariffs, and grid carbon intensity with devices. This is particularly relevant in markets (like many in Europe) where utility companies offer tariffs and incentives for running a home efficiently, during non-peak hours, and for contributing energy back to the grid. Matter allows the smart home ecosystem to ingest this data to make product energy use decisions more seamless.
• Enhanced Smart Metering: Improves how devices measure and report power usage, handling complex, time-varying tariffs, and providing historical data for accurate cost tracking.
• Grid Communication: Enables utilities to communicate grid connection details and power limits, facilitating coordinated demand management and compliance with regional energy regulations.
• EV Charging Enhancements: Makes features like state-of-charge reporting and bi-directional charging certifiable under Matter, preparing for vehicle-to-grid and energy-sharing scenarios.

Improved Performance and Looking Ahead

Matter 1.5 adds full support for operation over TCP transport, enabling more reliable and efficient transmission of large data sets. This benefits high-bandwidth devices like cameras, speeds up firmware updates, and supports richer data types.

The release of Matter 1.5 is a crucial milestone, giving device makers a stronger, broader foundation for innovation and offering consumers greater choice, simpler setup, and confidence in the interoperability of their connected devices.

The Matter 1.5 specification, SDK, and test tools are now available to CSA Members, encouraging developers and platform providers to begin implementation and certification planning.